Why It Has Always Failed, and Why It Will Fail Again.
In the wake of the 11th September 2001 terrorist atrocities in New York and Washington, Caleb Carr's 'The Lessons Of Terror' is a searing polemic on the nature of terrorism: its history, its methodology, its fallacy - and the steps needed to ensure its eradication.
Drawing on a wealth of historical knowledge, Caleb Carr describes how terrorism and the targeting of civilians has long been a part of conflict - an oft-used tactic that stretches back to ancient and medieaval times. And yet, what this accumulation of detail reveals is a simple yet essential truth: terrorism never works. Far from breaking the resolve of communities, it creates unity and purpose to fight back. Time and time again, Carr shows, the ultimate victims of terror are the terrorists themselves.
But in a world where terrorist goals are little short of global revolution, it is not enough to hide behind a Maginot Line of tightened airport security, regional diplomatic manoeuvrings and trade punishments. 'The Lessons Of Terror' is proof that terrorism can be beaten.